Chatswood

Population growth drivers in Chatswood are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Chatswood's population is estimated at around 27,579 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,026 people (7.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 25,553 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 27,219, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 120 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 5,504 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly-sought resource. Chatswood's 7.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (5.8%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 93.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of national statistical areas is projected, with the suburb expected to expand by 4,509 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 17.8% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Chatswood when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Chatswood has experienced around 49 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 248 homes from FY-17 to FY-21. So far in FY-26, 6 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 4.4 people moving to the area per dwelling built over these five years, demand significantly outpaces supply, typically putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers.

New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $932,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, $30.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Chatswood records markedly lower building activity, 70.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, this activity is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity shows 16.0% detached dwellings and 84.0% townhouses or apartments, focusing on higher-density living which creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

With around 606 people per dwelling approval, Chatswood reflects a highly mature market. Future projections show Chatswood adding 4,901 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Chatswood has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 47 projects that could affect this region. Notable projects include Chatswood Chase Redevelopment, Coronation Property Mixed-Use Development, Chatswood Grand Residences, and Hammond Greens Chatswood. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Chatswood shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Chatswood has a highly educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. The unemployment rate is 6.2%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, there are 14,538 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.0% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation in Chatswood is lower at 67.3%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.0%. Census responses indicate that 56.2% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries among residents are professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and finance & insurance. Chatswood shows strong specialization in professional & technical services with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction is under-represented, with only 4.4% of Chatswood's workforce compared to Greater Sydney's 8.6%. The ratio of 0.9 workers per resident, as at the Census, suggests substantial local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.9%, while employment decreased by 0.9% in Chatswood, leading to a rise in unemployment of 1.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.4%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Chatswood's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.4% over five years and 14.8% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Chatswood is extremely high nationally. The median assessed income is $54,122 and the average income stands at $91,234. This contrasts with Greater Sydney's figures of a median income of $60,817 and an average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $58,917 (median) and $99,317 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes in Chatswood cluster around the 73rd percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate that the predominant cohort spans 30.3% of locals (8,356 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, consistent with broader trends across the broader area showing 30.9% in the same category. The substantial proportion of high earners (35.0% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout Chatswood. High housing costs consume 20.3% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 68th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Chatswood features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Chatswood, as per the latest Census evaluation, 27.9% of dwellings were houses while 72.0% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments and 'other' dwellings. This is in contrast to Sydney metropolitan area's dwelling structure which was 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Chatswood stood at 27.1%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 20.8% and rented dwellings making up 52.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,858, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Weekly rent figures were recorded at $577 compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Chatswood's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Chatswood features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 70.6% of all households, including 33.1% that are couples with children, 25.5% that are couples without children, and 10.3% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.4%, with lone person households at 24.0% and group households comprising 5.3%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Chatswood demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Chatswood's residents aged 15 and above have a notable educational advantage with 58.0% holding university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 35.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (19.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational pathways account for 17.4%, with advanced diplomas at 10.1% and certificates at 7.3%. Educational participation is high, with 31.8% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 8.9% in primary, 8.2% in tertiary, and 7.1% in secondary education.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Chatswood has 121 active public transport stops offering a mix of train, light rail, and bus services. These stops are served by 100 routes, facilitating 21,637 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 130 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 50%, followed by trains at 21% and walking at 17%. On average, there are 0.6 vehicles per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 56.2% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 3,091 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 178 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Chatswood's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows excellent results for Chatswood based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups. Private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 63% of the total population (17,349 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were asthma and mental health issues, affecting 4.4 and 4.2% of residents respectively. 81.5% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. As of 14th April 2023, the area has 14.9% of residents aged 65 and over (4,109 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Chatswood is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Chatswood has one of the most culturally diverse populations in Australia, with 63.7% speaking a language other than English at home and 64.3% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Chatswood, comprising 34.1% of its population. Notably, Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, making up 7.6% versus 4.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Chinese (36.5%), Other (14.5%), and English (11.8%). The Chinese population is substantially higher than the regional average of 8.4%, while the English population is notably lower at 19.0% regionally. Additionally, Korean (4.7%) and Indian (3.8%) populations are notably overrepresented compared to their respective regional averages of 1.1% and 3.6%.

Chatswood's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Chatswood's median age is 37, matching Greater Sydney's figure and closely comparable to Australia's median of 38 years. The 35-44 age group constitutes 16.8% of Chatswood's population, higher than Greater Sydney's percentage. Conversely, the 0-4 age cohort makes up only 3.8%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 11.0% to 14.2%, while the 35-44 cohort has decreased from 18.1% to 16.8%. The 0-4 age group has also declined, from 5.0% to 3.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Chatswood's age structure. Notably, the 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 28%, adding 1,018 people and reaching a total of 4,659 from its current figure of 3,640. Meanwhile, the 35-44 age group is projected to decrease by 171 residents.